Urban Creators

Overview

Urban Creators is a US-based nonprofit organization founded in 2010 by a diverse group of students, artists, activists, organizers, entrepreneurs, and creators in North Philadelphia. The organization serves as a platform for radical and collaborative imagination, utilizing food, art, and education to foster resilience and self-determination within the community. Its primary goal is to support the emergence of a new generation of creators, organizers, artists, growers, and local businesses working towards building equity and collective liberation.

Mission and History

Urban Creators' mission revolves around creating a collaborative environment where individuals can grow, innovate, and contribute to the well-being of their community. The organization's history began with transforming vacant land into a thriving urban farm known as Life Do Grow (LDG), situated in the heart of North Central Philadelphia on ancestral lands of the indigenous Lenni-Lenape. Over the years, Urban Creators has expanded its focus to include community organizing, educational programming, and artistic expressions, aligning with its core values of cultural legacy, new futures, racial and economic justice, and holistic wellness.

Life Do Grow Farm

Life Do Grow is an urban farm and Neighborhood Creative Commons, serving multiple purposes:

• Urban Farm: Provides organic produce and connects the community with nature.
• Public Park: A shared green space for recreation and community events.
• Outdoor Classroom: Hosts educational programs focusing on sustainability and environmental awareness.
• Community Marketplace: Offers vending opportunities for local vendors.
• Cultural Venue: Supports artistic and cultural expressions, fostering creativity and community engagement.
• Co-working Space: Provides resources and infrastructure for local businesses, artists, and organizers.

The farm is an entirely off-grid sustainability campus, with energy generated from solar panels and water collected via rain catchment systems.

Programs and Services

• Membership Program: The 'Resident Creator' program offers a supportive environment for emerging creators, providing access to space, tools, mentorship, and networking opportunities. However, membership is currently not open for new applicants.
• Consulting Services: Urban Creators offers expertise in team building, collaborative leadership, community organizing, organizational development, and sustainable agriculture.
• Garden Design and Development: Specializes in custom organic garden installations and school garden design for educational purposes.
• Volunteer Opportunities: Encourages community involvement through regular volunteer days focused on neighborhood beautification and other projects.

Impact and Recognition

Urban Creators' efforts have been recognized with awards such as the 2022 Paul Sehnert Award for Excellence in Design, Collaboration, and Impact for their community design plans for Life Do Grow Farm. The organization played a significant role during the COVID-19 pandemic by organizing a Mobile Market, distributing essential goods and resources throughout North Philadelphia. Their programs have demonstrated positive impacts on recidivism rates and community engagement, reflecting their commitment to social and environmental causes.

[1] http://www.urbancreators.org [2] https://urbancreators.org/mission-history/ [3] https://urbancreators.org/membership/ [4] https://urbancreators.org [5] https://urbancreators.org/get-involved/